High Paying Careers: Becoming a Dentist—Is This Career Right for You?

Fast Facts

Median U.S. Total Pay: $163,220 / year
Typical Entry‑Level Degree: Bachelor's in Biology, Chemistry, or Health Sciences
Professional School: 4-year Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)
Growth Outlook (2022‑32): +7% (Faster than average)
Top Work Settings: Private Practice, Group Practice, Public Health, Academic Settings
Why It's a High Salary Career: Specialized skill set combining medical knowledge with precision procedures, limited number of practitioners, high demand for services.

Introduction

Dentistry consistently ranks among the most respected and well-compensated healthcare careers. With a unique blend of medical expertise, artistic skill, and entrepreneurial opportunity, dentists enjoy exceptional career satisfaction and work-life balance—making this one of the most desirable high paying jobs in healthcare.

What Does a Dentist Do?

• Preventive Care: Perform examinations, cleanings, and patient education.
• Restorative Procedures: Fill cavities, perform root canals, and place crowns.
• Surgical Procedures: Extract teeth and place dental implants.
• Cosmetic Dentistry: Design and place veneers, perform whitening treatments.
• Practice Management: Run a business, manage staff (if practice owner).

Mini‑Case: A dentist in Seattle transitioned from associate to practice owner after five years, increased practice revenue by 35% through adding cosmetic services, and now earns $325,000 annually—showcasing why this is a high salary career with strong autonomy.

Who Excels as a Dentist?

Detail-Oriented: Precision is essential in all dental procedures.
Manual Dexterity: Procedures require fine motor control in small spaces.
Strong Communicator: Must explain complex conditions to anxious patients.
Science Aptitude: Biology, chemistry, and anatomy knowledge is fundamental.
Business Minded: Practice ownership requires entrepreneurial skills.

If these qualities resonate with you, dentistry could be your path to a career that pays the most while helping others.

High‑School Prep

1. Courses: AP Biology, AP Chemistry, Physics, Anatomy, Statistics.
2. Clubs & Activities:
   • Health occupations or pre-dental clubs.
   • Volunteer at dental clinics or health fairs.
   • Shadow practicing dentists.
3. Projects:
   • Science fair projects related to oral health.
   • Research papers on dental innovations.
   • Volunteer work demonstrating manual dexterity.

These experiences build foundations for high paying majors that lead to dental school.

Educational Pathways

1. Bachelor's Degree: Biology, Chemistry, or Health Sciences—accessible easy good paying degrees with clear career paths. Most dental schools require specific science prerequisites regardless of major.

2. Dental Admission Test (DAT): Standardized exam covering natural sciences, perceptual ability, and reading comprehension. Competitive scores typically fall in the 19-21 range (out of 30).

3. Dental School: Four-year professional program leading to DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) degrees. Combines classroom learning with clinical practice.

4. Optional Residency: 1-3 year specialized training in orthodontics, oral surgery, pediatric dentistry, etc. Can lead to higher-paying specialty practice among careers that pay the most.

Salary Potential

• General Dentists: Median annual pay of $163,220, with experienced practitioners often earning $200,000+.
• Dental Specialists: Oral surgeons, orthodontists, and other specialists earn median salaries of $208,000–$267,000.
• Practice Owners: Can earn $300,000+ after building established practices—making these high paying jobs with significant wealth-building potential.

Top Locations

North Dakota: $233,150 - Low competition, high demand
Alaska: $229,740 - Underserved communities, incentive programs
Vermont: $228,530 - Favorable practice environment
New Hampshire: $227,230 - Strong reimbursement rates
Oregon: $219,920 - Growing population, practice opportunities

Day‑in‑the‑Life Snapshot

7:30 AM: Review patient charts for the day.
8:00 AM: First patient appointments (exams and minor procedures).
11:00 AM: Perform more complex restorative procedures.
12:30 PM: Lunch and administrative work.
2:00 PM: Afternoon patient appointments.
5:00 PM: Patient follow-up calls and treatment planning.
6:00 PM: Review practice metrics and business planning.

Career Progression

1. Dental Student (4 years) – Intensive professional education and training.
2. Associate Dentist (1-5 years) – Work in established practice while building skills and patient base.
3. Practice Owner or Partner (5+ years) – Purchase or start a practice, maximizing income potential.
4. Specialized Practice/Multiple Locations – Expand to multiple offices or focus on high-value procedures.

AI's Impact on Dentistry

While AI tools now help with treatment planning and diagnostics, the hands-on nature of dental procedures means automation risk is minimal. Dentists who embrace technology for efficiency while maintaining the personalized care element will thrive, ensuring dentistry remains among the most secure good paying jobs in healthcare.

Free Learning Resources

• American Dental Association Career Center – Dental career exploration.
• ADEA GoDental – Pre-dental student resources.
• ExploreHealthCareers.org – Information on dental specialties.
• Khan Academy MCAT Prep – Relevant science preparation.
• DAT Bootcamp (Free Trial) – Sample dental admission test questions.

FAQs

How much debt do dental students typically graduate with? A: The average dental school graduate carries approximately $300,000 in educational debt. However, the high earning potential of this high salary career allows for manageable repayment with proper financial planning.

Is it better to specialize or practice general dentistry? A: This depends on your interests and goals. Specialists earn more but require additional years of training and residency. General dentists enjoy broader practice scope and can still achieve excellent compensation, especially as practice owners.

Can dentists work part-time? A: Yes, dentistry offers excellent flexibility. Many dentists work 4-day weeks, and part-time arrangements are common, especially for those balancing family responsibilities or phasing into retirement.

How GoodGoblin Can Help

GoodGoblin assists students interested in high-paying majors and easy-paying degrees by providing personalized guidance tailored to their strengths, interests, and goals. It helps students identify educational pathways, find easy good paying degrees, and navigate the complexities of career planning, positioning them for successful entry into high-paying careers like Dentistry.

Conclusion

If you blend scientific interest with artistic precision and desire a stable, autonomous career with exceptional earning potential, dentistry offers both high paying jobs and tremendous personal satisfaction. Start exploring academic requirements now and let GoodGoblin guide your journey from curious student to respected dental professional.